Automatic analysis method of crude petroleum oils using spectroscopy

Abstract

Disclosed is an automatic analysis method of crude oils, using spectroscopy. A near infrared spectroscopic analysis apparatus is combined with an ordinary distillation apparatus, so as to analyze the physical properties of each oil distillate as soon as it is separated from crude oils, thereby bringing about a significant improvement in analysis accuracy and in an economical aspect. It takes only two days for one person to obtain a full assay data for crude oils by taking advantage of the method. In addition to requiring a significantly reduced equipment cost, the method enables full assay data for crude oils to be obtained quickly, thereby securing more up-to-date information about crude oils and producing an economical benefit.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An automatic analysis method of crude oils, using spectroscopy, comprising the steps of: 
       providing analysis equipment comprising:  
       a distillation apparatus comprising:  
       a vacuum part;  
       a heating part;  
       a separation column part;  
       a liquified gas-collecting cylinder having absorbance spectrum-measuring cells; and  
       a distillate-collecting part having a plurality of distillate-collecting cylinders;  
       a spectroscopic analyzer comprising:  
       a spectroscope for separating and providing light beams by wavelengths;  
       a measuring cell for measuring samples for absorbance at predetermined wavelengths; and  
       a fiber optic for connecting the spectroscope to the measuring cell; and  
       a physical property-predicting model;  
       measuring light components for absorbance at predetermined wavelengths in an on-line manner in the liquified gas-collecting cylinder, said gaseous components being distilled at the first time from a crude oil sample upon distillation;  
       measuring distillates of the distillate-collecting cylinders, in sequence, for absorbance at predetermined wavelengths;  
       predicting physical properties of the distillate samples from the spectrum data on the basis of the chemometrics theory; and  
       producing assay data for crude oils from the predicted physical properties.  
     
     
       2. The automatic analysis method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopy utilizes a near infrared spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer, a Raman spectrometer, or an NMR spectrometer. 
     
     
       3. The automatic analysis method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the separation column part comprises at least two separation columns for distillates separated at not higher than 400° C. and at higher than 400° C., respectively, said two columns being alternatively operated under the control of a shutoff valve.